Rin Itoshi [²]

The clock struck eight, and silence filled the meeting room. Before the advisors of the Shirogane and Itoshi families, two heirs received an order that would change their destiny.

Kasumi Shirogane stood erect, serene, and impossible to decipher. Facing her, Rin Itoshi kept her hands in her pockets and wore a cold gaze that defied any authority.

—"Starting today, you will share information and work together," an advisor announced . "Your first mission begins tonight."

A folder lay on the table containing photographs of a destroyed warehouse, burned-out vehicles, and fallen members of both families. Everything indicated that an unknown enemy had carefully orchestrated the scene.

—"They want us to find what they left behind" — Kasumi deduced.

—"Then let's stop wasting time"— Rin replied before heading for the exit.

Half an hour later, they both arrived at the warehouse separately. While Rin quickly inspected the interior, Kasumi observed every detail until she noticed an area without dust.

—"Someone moved something here recently."

Following their trail, they found a hidden compartment. It was empty, except for a black card with the emblem of a silver raven. None of them recognized the symbol.

Before they could investigate further, a gunshot broke the silence.

-"Ambush!"

Bullets pierced the windows. Rin pushed Kasumi behind a pillar, and together they returned fire, forcing the attackers to retreat. Outside, there was no trace of them, only a huge crow painted on the wall and a phrase beneath it:

"They arrived too late."

Kasumi closed her hand over the card as Rin silently studied the message. This wasn't just an attack; someone had declared war... and this was only the beginning.